But now seems like an excellent time to teach your children about Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) and the concept of Pay it Forward. I just gave a successful class on this very subject at my children’s Montessori School and here is what I suggest:

Make sure everyone understands what the words “random” and “act of kindness” mean.

Read the book Because Brian Hugged His Mother by David L. Rice (illustrated by Kathryn Dyble Thompson). An excellent introduction to the concept of “Pay it Forward” in a story that children can relate to (NOTE: I have LOVED this book for a long time. If you want, please read my review).

Suggest some easy things kids can do to make a positive difference in someone’s day. Here are a few:

Smile at someone :-)

Hold a door open for someone

Do a daily chore normally performed by a sibling

Do a household chore without being asked: feed dog, do the dirty dishes you see in sink, etc.

Leave your change in the soda machine for someone else to find

Shovel your neighbors’ steps

Plant a seed

Have the kids brainstorm some more easy ideas.

Let them give it a try. Give them one week to complete one RAK and report back on what they did and the outcome (how it felt, consequences to them if any, etc.).

8 Responses to “Random Acts of Kindness”

Ooh, I love this idea! My children have seen me perform RAKs but they are old enough now to do this as well. Hmm, this sounds like a nice afternoon discussion.CelticMommy´s last blog post ..These rainy days

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